2018 brings exciting opportunities to build on the success of Miami's robust economy

The Miami-Dade Beacon Council is carefully following leading edge economic trends including the continued increase of e-commerce which is reshaping the way business is done and the types of facilities needed for efficient business operations.

This year's initiatives include a continuation and expansion of the "Connect & Growth" theme launched last year. Connect & Grow focuses on helping large corporate players in Miami work with local smaller businesses and entrepreneurs for their mutual benefit. This has many positive outcomes for increased growth and expansion of businesses yielding more and better jobs and investment in Miami-Dade.

B2B Connect program is modeled after successful programs around the country encouraging and facilitating local business connections that support supply chain sourcing opportunities.

The Miami Innovation Working Group, representing the entrepreneurial accelerator ecosystem, is working to map the tech ecosystem, identify opportunities for building Miami's capital pipeline and promoting Miami as an "innovation destination".

The MDBC team of business development experts is meeting with businesses throughout the county to learn about opportunities for growth and expansion and assist with any impediments.

Workforce development is an essential component for all communities preparing for the retirement of the baby boomers. MDBC is working with local and regional partners to develop strategies to bring more qualified people into the workforce.

Local and regional cooperation is another key initiative for the upcoming year. The pursuit of Amazon HQ2 for Miami underscores the power and importance of working together to support economic development opportunities around the country and the globe in 2018.

One Community One Goal Future Fund will be launched to fullfill the vision of a long-term sustainable economic future for Miami Dade as envisioned by the One Community One Goal strategy.